From left, Karen Testerman, Jim Rubens and Bob Smith at the Bedford Public Library.

Credit Ryan Lessard / NHPR

Republican candidates for U.S. Senate Karen Testerman, Jim Rubens and Bob Smith debated in Bedford Tuesday night. The tone was cordial and while some disagreed on points of policy, they were united in their criticism of the absent candidate: Scott Brown.

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From the opening statements in the debate, Scott Brown was part of the conversation. Karen Testerman made sure to introduce herself as an officially declared candidate as opposed to Brown who is scheduled to announce on Thursday.

After that, Bob Smith criticized Brown for his vote in favor of the Dodd-Frank bill.

“If you’re running in the Republican primary and you’re voting to strangle community banks and cut businesses all over the state, with all due respect, please, that’s just not what Republicans are all about.”

Testerman, Smith and Jim Rubens all hewed closely to the Republican platform—agreeing on second amendment rights and the need to do away with the Affordable Care Act. But there were a few points they disagreed on, such as climate change and the size and role of the federal government.